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Oral antivirals

Drug Class: Commonly Known As: Category:
Aciclovir

Oral antivirals - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Oral antivirals cause?

Common side effects include:

  • Headache
    • You may take Paracetamol (if not allergic to Paracetamol) to treat the headache. 
  • Nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, diarrhoea 
    • Take the medication with or after food. 
    • If diarrhoea occurs, drink sufficient water to prevent dehydration. 
  • Tiredness or weakness 
If any of the following effects persist or are severe, consult your doctor. 

Rare but serious side effects include: 
  • Allergic reaction 
    • Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue 
    • Difficulty in breathing 
    • Itchy skin rashes over your whole body 
  • Mental or mood changes 
    • Agitation 
    • Confusion
    • Hallucinations 
  • Severe tiredness and weakness, unusual bruising or bleeding, yellowing of eyes or skin, change in vision, difficulty speaking or thinking, change in balance, or fever 
  • Unable to urinate, change in volume or darkening of urine or blood in urine
  • Seizures 
  • Tremors, difficulty moving around, stiffness
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

Before taking Oral antivirals , what precautions must I follow?

  • Inform your healthcare professional if you: 
    • Have kidney disease. 
    • Are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication. 
    • Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 
  • If you are taking this medication for treatment of genital herpes, it is important to follow safe sex practices to lower the chance of spreading herpes to your partner, even if no symptoms are present. Always use a condom made of latex or polyurethane. When you have symptoms or are experiencing an outbreak, do not have sexual contact with your partner.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Oral antivirals ?

Inform your doctor if you are taking or planning to take other medications, supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

Oral antivirals - Additional Information

  • Updated on 10/31/2022 12:00:00 AM
  • Article contributed by PSS National Medication Information Workgroup PSS National Medication Information Workgroup
The information provided is not intended as medical advice. Terms of use. Information provided by SingHealth

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